The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today's reading discusses one of our most helpful tools - CAL or Conference Approved Literature. The Al-Anon literature helps us to learn about replacing long-established, negative ways of thinking with healthier, more positive approaches to life and love.
The writer shares that while opening up to others in the beginning was overwhelming, but the literature provided some instant help and hope from Day 1. He/she also shares that in the beginning, the literature was mostly used for pain/crisis. Over time, the literature has become a daily part of recovery/progress.
Our use of literature is not limited to what we read once in a while or even once per day. The daily suggests digesting well what's been read and consider the lesson. The writer goes one step further, writing down a sentence or two to focus on through the day. It's suggested this new habit has given pause to think and consider what the best response is to a troubling situation.
Today's Reminder --- I have a wealth of information available to me which can help me grow ever freer from the effects of alcoholism on my thinking. Today I will make CAL a part of my routine by listening to a tape or by reading a pamphlet or chapter of a book.
Today's Quote from This Is Al-Anon --- "The Al-Anon books and pamphlets, read each day, have opened our minds to the certainty of a better and more rewarding way of life."
~~~~~
I am a visual learner. This caused me tons of confusion as a younger person - lectures were hard for me to focus on and take notes from. So - when they say that a picture speaks volumes, that has been my experience. For all the tools we have, the literature has been one that has been constant. Not reading a daily or something CAL each morning is almost like leaving home without deodorant for me. Even when I can't relate to all of what I read, it gives me enough cause for thought to remind me I am a person in recovery with a desire to live a spiritual life.
I am grateful for all that we have available to us. As I think about the tools we have, our literature certainly helps bond us together - consider MIP for just a moment. We are from all parts of the world, with very different lives, time zones, climates and what not. Yet, we learn and share from the same reference materials!
Grateful for MIP, our literature and our lovely program as well as all who came before me. Make it a great Thursday to one and all!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Good MOrning IAH Love this topic . I found that the literature really does/ did promote my recovery in between meetings and during times of stress . I love how it is suggested that we not only read the literature but that we also take the time to "THINK" about what was read and then try to summarize what we read into a few sentences . Doing this really helped me to not only have the program in my mind but also in my heart.
Hey Betty - I did not make it by MIP yesterday at all.....boy howdy - I missed everyone!! Glad to be back and glad to be in recovery!
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
